Bewitching the Duke

Hearing the guilt in his voice, she had to help him. “They will forgive you if you only give them a chance. They all know why you haven’t returned for so long. Let them into your life and you will find absolution and friendship.”

“I don’t know how much longer I will be here, Selina.”

Her step faltered. Even knowing a relationship with a duke was out of the question, she’d become used to seeing him every day. Talking with him. Making love with him . . . even if it was only twice.

She didn’t want him to leave.

And yet, she knew it would be best if he left.

Then she could resume her old life. With no one to speak with except the neighbor’s cat who came to visit. She would miss the cur if he returned to London.

“You’ve become very quiet,” he said in a soft tone.

She glanced up to see the Pattersons’ house coming into view. She couldn’t admit to him that she would miss him. Besides, their relationship was wrong in so many ways. It would be far better if he left. “We’re almost there.”

At least now, she could focus on Davie’s injuries and not the idea of losing the man she might just be falling for.

Falling for?

That could never happen. She couldn’t let it.

She pushed the disturbing thought out of her head and knocked on the door.

Mrs. Patterson pulled open the door. “Selina, thank God you’re here. . . .” Her voice trailed off as she noticed Colin. “Yer . . . Your Grace,” she stuttered. “Welcome to my home.”

“I hope you don’t mind, Mrs. Patterson. Miss White had been at my home looking after my sister. I didn’t feel comfortable letting her walk here alone after dark.”

“Of course.” She waved them inside. “Davie is in his bedroom, Selina. He’s in terrible pain. I think it’s broken.”

“I’ll take a look. He most likely broke his arm in the fall and the pain is radiating to his shoulder.” She turned to Colin. “Your Grace, I might need your assistance.”

Colin looked slightly taken aback. “You might?”

She took his arm and led him away from Davie’s mother. “If the arm is broken, I might need you to hold him down while I set it.”

“Can’t his father assist you?”

She smiled at his squeamish tone. “No, his father died last year.”

Colin closed his eyes and nodded. “Very well, then. Of course, I will help you. It can’t be much worse than assisting in a foaling.”

“Mrs. Patterson, is Davie’s room the first door on the right?” she asked, turning toward the woman.

“Yes, do you want me to come with you?”

“No, you stay down here. The duke will assist me tonight.”

Mrs. Patterson’s mouth gaped and then she recovered. “Call me if you need me. I’ll be putting Mary to bed.”

Selina glanced about the room until she noticed the three-year-old sitting in a chair in the corner, sucking her thumb. “Good evening, Mary.”

The little girl’s eyes grew large. She withdrew her thumb and said, “Hello, Miss Selina.”

Mrs. Patterson came up beside Selina. “She’s still a little shaken from what happened. She was throwing her doll up in the air when it got stuck in the tree. Davie went up to fetch it for her.”

“Will he be all right?” she asked softly.

“Let me go look at him, sweetling.” Selina walked up the steps and Colin followed behind her. “I hope it’s not too serious.”